Plate 3: a gale in the forest, two horsemen wrapped in their cloaks, the wind is blowing from the left side, a round composition, from 'Roman landscapes and ruins' (Paysages et ruines de Rome) 1638 - 1648

Stefano della Bella created this etching, "Plate 3: a gale in the forest," as part of his 'Roman landscapes and ruins' series. Born in Florence, Della Bella’s aristocratic connections gained him access to courtly circles, influencing his aesthetic. The print is evocative of the Baroque period when nature was often portrayed as dramatic. Here, we see two horsemen struggling against a powerful wind, their cloaks billowing. Della Bella uses line to convey movement and force. The circular composition encloses the scene, creating a sense of intimacy. Consider the role of landscape in asserting power and identity during the 17th century. How might these figures, perhaps noblemen, be read in relation to the Italian landscape? This print is not just a scene of nature; it's a stage where social identities are performed. What feelings does this scene evoke in you? Does it evoke a sense of human resilience, or vulnerability?